The teenage boy was punched and kicked 17 times and his friend, a teenage girl also dressed in Goth style clothing, was punched in the head

Investigation: Police described the attack as "abhorrent" and vowed to catch the perpetrators (Photo: Getty Images)

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A boy and girl wearing Goth-style clothing who were brutally assaulted by three teenage girls are being urged to come forward by police.

In a sixty second ‘abhorrent’ attack a teenage boy was punched and kicked 17 times and his friend, a teenage girl also dressed in Goth style clothing, was punched in the head.

The offenders walked off when a member of the public on a bike intervened.

Police are now trying to establish whether the incident, which has chilling echoes of the fatal assault of Rossendale teenager Sophie Lancaster in 2007, was a hate crime.

The incident took place outside the McColl’s newsagents in Mersey Square, Stockport at about 9.30pm on Tuesday, July 15. Police want to speak to the two victims and the woman on a bicycle who intervened.

PC Steve Watson said: “Until we have spoken to the two victims, we cannot be certain if this attack was a hate crime motivated by the clothing the victims were wearing, but clearly we have to consider that as an aggravating factor.

Target: Sophie Lancaster was beaten to death for being dressed in Goth clothing in 2007

“People who wish to express their alternative sub-culture identity freely should not have to tolerate hate crime and therefore I would strongly urge both victims to come forward so we can record their complaints and ensure those responsible are punished appropriately.

“Greater Manchester Police takes all reports of hate crime extremely seriously and, as has been covered extensively in the press.

“We are now recording crimes where alternative sub-cultures are targeted for their identity and distinctive clothing.

“It is totally abhorrent for anyone to be attacked because of a distinctive identity, and the level of violence the young boy was subjected to.

“Seventeen blows in just 60 seconds, is an appalling indictment of the behaviour of those responsible.

“He is lucky he was not seriously injured.

“So I would again urge the victims to please call us and we will offer you whatever support you need.”

The victim is white, in his teens, with red hair, and was wearing a long dark jacket, dark trousers with chains and boots.

The girl who was assaulted was white, with auburn hear and wearing similar clothing.